Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Junior or above
Location: Europe, Germany
GPA: 3.0

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Dates & Deadlines
Applications for Fall Semester close on 02/01/2026
Applications for Academic Year close on 02/01/2026
Applications for Spring Semester close on 02/01/2026

Program Overview

As a Lundquist College of Business student, the program at WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management offers you the opportunity to enroll directly in a variety of courses in an international setting. Over 80 percent of undergraduate courses at WHU are taught in English, providing a wide array of courses, particularly in international business. WHU partners with over 150 universities worldwide, offering a unique opportunity to interact and network with business students throughout the world.

Situated along the Rhine River, Vallendar is embedded in the Central Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage site and is surrounded by vineyards castles and historic towns. WHU is located about one hour from Cologne (Köln) and one hour from Frankfurt, known as the financial and business centers of Germany and the fourth and fifth largest cities in the country, respectively.

Dates and Deadlines

Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Fall Semester 2026 02/01/2026 Late August Late December
Academic Year 2026-27 02/01/2026 Late August Early May
Spring Semester 2027 02/01/2026 Early January Early May

The application process for this program is competitive: GEO staff will review your application materials, and a decision about your enrollment will not be made until after the application deadline. In some cases, an interview is required. If your program requires an interview, you will be contacted with further details about this process after the application deadline. Early applications are encouraged.

Successful applicants will receive an exchange nomination from GEO. Selection will be based on a holistic review of your application. This includes a review of your GPA, transcripts (including courses taken and in-progress), any additional requirements or prerequisites (see section "Additional Requirements"), and written statements. 

Applying for an exchange program involves 2 steps. If you receive a nomination from GEO, you will also need to complete the host university's application, which is administered and reviewed by your host university directly. Instructions will be provided after acceptance by GEO. The host university makes the final decision regarding acceptance into the program.

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Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $500 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

WHU provides you with the opportunity to fulfill upper division business courses that can be applied toward major and minor degree requirements in the Lundquist College of Business. WHU offers top-level academic programs and is accredited by AACSB, EQUIS and FIBAA. 

Course Availability:

Please review the course offerings for exchange students on WHU’s website using the "Course Search" link in the sidebar menu. You may need to use the current academic year’s course list as a guide for what might be available for the term you want to study at WHU. 

You need to be flexible with choosing courses and have multiple back-up courses in case you do not get into your top choices. You are responsible for ensuring you meet any pre-requisites for courses at WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management. 

Note: Students should consult with their UO academic advisor before submitting their course enrollment to WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management.

Credits:

WHU uses the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) which is a workload-based system for measuring and comparing study results. A typical fulltime course load at WHU is 30 ECTS per semester. This is typically seven to nine courses per semester. 

ECTS credits are transferred to the UO at the rate of 1 ECTS credit = .75 UO quarter credits. 

To maintain full-time student status at the UO while on a university exchange program, UO students need to earn at least 12 UO credits per UO term abroad. 

Language of Instruction:

Exchange students at WHU have access to a variety of coursework available in English. There are a small number of courses taught in German, which students would need to provide proof of German language proficiency to enroll in coursework in German. 

If you are interested in developing your German language ability, WHU offers free intensive German courses running through the semester. Although not required, past students have found the German language course at WHU helpful for navigating around Vallendar. 

 

Course Equivalencies

UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.

Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.

Housing Description

WHU offers exchange students support in finding accommodations. All exchange students receive a housing form with their acceptance at WHU, in which they can indicate their preferences. They will promptly receive a concrete proposal that takes into account both the available offer and personal wishes.

All apartments offered to international students by the Housing Office are fully furnished, and include a fitted kitchen. Bed linen and bath towels are also provided. Some apartments also include a shared washing machine, whereas some landlords offer a washing service. Most apartments are designed for singles, comprising a bed/living room with a single bed or sofa bed, kitchen/kitchenette and bathroom.

For detailed information regarding the different housing options, please visit: http://www.whu.edu/housing.